Today, on November 13, we come together to honor the martyrs who gave their lives defending Baloch land. Our lineage extends back to Mehrgarh, with a history of sacrifice that spans thousands of years. Esteemed Baloch archaeologist Raza Baloch, in his book Muhimat-e-Balochistan , notes that the ash and coal layers found in Mehrgarh indicate a land marked by recurring destruction and resistance. These findings serve as evidence of Balochistan’s long-standing resilience against invaders. Greeks, Sassanids, Arabs, Turks, Afghans, Portuguese, and British have all faced Baloch resistance, eventually forced to withdraw, defeated by the unyielding spirit of our people.
This enduring resistance continues today, as countless sons and daughters of Balochistan sacrifice their lives for the freedom of their homeland. November 13 holds additional significance as it marks the British invasion of Kalat, our capital, where Khan Mehrab Khan and 400 of his comrades embraced martyrdom defending our land.
European invasions began with the Portuguese, who encountered fierce resistance led by the legendary Hammal Jeehand. The British followed, propelled by scientific advancements and a hunger for domination. Yet despite their technological superiority, the Baloch people remained unbroken, engraving their defiance in the annals of history. The first known Baloch resistance against the British occurred in the Bolan region, as British forces attempted to pass through on their way to Afghanistan. Baloch Sarmachaars fiercely challenged them at every turn, with British officers later confessing in their memoirs to the hardships faced due to Baloch resistance.
After the martyrdom of Khan Mehrab Khan, a series of armed struggles against British colonialism surged across Balochistan. Regions like Sarawan, Jhalawan, Rakhshan, Sibbi, Nasirabad, Koh-e-Sulaiman, and Makkuran rose to resist. Though some Sardars collaborated with the British, the people of Balochistan saw through colonial oppression and remained committed to resistance.
Following the fall of Kalat, the Marri tribe led attacks against British forces in Bolan, while Bijjar Khan Domki and Turk Ali Jhakrani seized and repurposed British supplies. Gul Khan Naseer documents the Baloch defense at Kahan, where a British platoon led by Captain Brown encountered fierce resistance. In one decisive battle, 22 British soldiers were killed, and countless camels and supplies were reclaimed by the Baloch. This victory inspired further attacks, including one in Mastung, where Baloch fighters overtook an English camp, leaving no survivors. History records that the Baloch fiercely resisted British occupation across the plains, mountains, and deserts of Balochistan.
Even after the British left, their legacy of oppression was inherited by Pakistan, which forcefully annexed Balochistan on March 27, 1948. Since then, the Baloch struggle for independence has only intensified. British agents, like Wahi Phil, employed deception against leaders like Agha Karim, attempting to subdue the resistance, but the Baloch remained steadfast. Leaders such as Babu Nauroz Shaheed and Nawab Khair Bakhsh Mari continued the fight, which grew into a powerful movement by the 21st century, strengthened by countless sacrifices from Baloch people.
Today, Martyrs’ Day is not only a time to remember but also a renewal of our commitment to the Baloch cause. Our martyrs inspire each generation with their sacrifices, reminding every Baloch of the unbreakable spirit of freedom. The goal is a free Balochistan, and we will not relent until that vision is realized. The resilience of our nation has shown that the Baloch will never accept a life of oppression.
We understand that this journey is arduous and that many of our people may continue to make the ultimate sacrifice. But no nation has ever gained freedom without sacrifice. Today, we pledge to carry forward this legacy of resistance until Balochistan is free. This commitment to sacrifice and action is the highest tribute we can offer our martyrs—a tradition that will continue until our homeland stands independent, free from all forms of oppression.
